Devotees pray at the National Shrine of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo. (Photo from Facebook/Rene Kisselbach)
Amidst the upheaval caused by the discovery of widespread corruption, churches under the Archdiocese of Manila have begun reciting the Oratio Imperata for integrity, truth and justice as it’s way of renewing faith in God’s providence in restoring public trust in government.
Manila archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula, issued a directive to pray the Oratio Imperata in a pastoral letter, urging the faithful to turn to God amid the moral and political crisis that has caused distrust in majority of Filipinos in government officials.
Interviews among churchgoers solicited a single reaction and many feels the situation as painfully familiar: “Pinagdaanan ko na rin iyan noong araw pa eh, bahala na ang Diyos kung ano’ng mangyari sa atin.”
Another, who is also a devotee of the Black Nazarene, enthused that there are times when people tend to forget about their faith and they forget about the commandments of God and teaching of Jesus Christ.
Across parishes in Manila, scenes unfold as churchgoers pray the Oratio Imperata during early morning Mass before going on with their business the rest of the day.
